Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
This capstone course analyses management issues and challenges specific to the hospitality industry. It provides a framework for evaluating management theories and practices as they apply to customer-centric, geographically diverse hospitality businesses and organisations.
This course prepares students to work within the international hotel industry by introducing, discussing and analysing the cultural and economic environment of international hotel management. It will explore the challenges of a complex global environment with emphasis on the unique aspects of international hotel management and ownership structures.
Sustainable Development Goals - UQ Business School is a proud supporter and Advanced Signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME). As part of the largest global collaboration between business schools and the UN, the school emphasises its role in empowering students to drive societal transformation through the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs highlight that a thriving economy relies on a healthy environment, aiming to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection for a sustainable future.
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students taking this course are in their final semester of study and thus have an understanding of business, hotel and hospitality acumen.
Recommended prerequisites
We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:
HOSP2001 + #6 HOSP
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
HOSP3001
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Mucha Mkono
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:
- Full Name
- Student ID
- Course Code
Aims and outcomes
This course aims to develop an in-depth understanding of, and evaluate, the areas of management, operations and leadership within the context of the highly competitive international hotel sector, with a particular emphasis on human resources, marketing and financial management and 'best practice' cases.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Understand and assess the core areas of corporate, business and functional level strategy relevant to the international hospitality industry.
LO2.
Analyse a hotel's current strategic position using appropriate strategy concepts, tools and frameworks, with the consideration of cultural, social, political and regional factors.
LO3.
Explore major issues related to marketing, technological, human resource and financial management in the international hotel sector.
LO4.
Demonstrate sensitivity to global, organisational and environmental contexts when proposing recommendations.
LO5.
In a team, evaluate and report on best practice management strategies for international hotel chains.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | Strategic Evaluation of a Company | 60% |
12/09/2025 1:00 pm |
| Presentation |
Group Presentation: CSR Strategies
|
40% |
Week 10 - Week 13
During Class |
Assessment details
Strategic Evaluation of a Company
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 60%
- Due date
12/09/2025 1:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This task requires you to conduct a strategic evaluation of a hospitality company of your choice and to prepare a comprehensive report.
The evaluation encompasses a strategic analysis of the selected hospitality organisation. The following elements must be included in your Report:
- Company Profile
- Mission and Vision
- Five Forces Analysis
- PESTLE Analysis
- Corporate Strategy
- Strategic Recommendations.
Further details and instructions will be provided in class/tutorials and via Blackboard.
Formatting: Font size 12, Times New Roman or Arial font, 1.5 spacing
The Report should be submitted through the Turnitin link on Blackboard in the Assessment folder. The word limit is 3,000 words (+/-10%) excl. the reference list. All other text is included in the limit.
Note: IHG, Accor, Marriott and Aitken Spence cannot be selected for your report as these have been discussed in class.
AI Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Submission is via the Turnitin link on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Group Presentation: CSR Strategies
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Oral, Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Presentation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
Week 10 - Week 13
During Class
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L02, L04, L05
Task description
This task requires you to prepare a group presentation on the CSR strategy of a company of your choice. Specifically, your presentation must include the following:
- Company Background
- CSR Strategy
- Comparative Analysis
- References
Your presentation should consist of approximately 10 to 15 slides. Your slides must be submitted after the presentation via Turnitin.
All members of the group must present. A peer assessment component will be incorporated into the task. A Question & Answer interaction will be conducted at the end.
Please Note: The presentation will be recorded for marking purposes per UQ Policy.
All group members should diligently contribute to the preparation and delivery of the presentation. Peer assessment will be enabled. Where the majority of group members report the lack of contribution by a particular member, the Course Coordinator might apply a penalty. The exact penalty will depend on the level of contribution as reported by the group.
Further details including the date of your presentation will be provided on Blackboard.
AI Statement
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.
A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 29 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 30 - 46 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 47 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 |
Lecture |
Strategy in hospitality: What, how and why? Introduction to the course; defining strategy/strategic management; outline of assessment tasks Learning outcomes: L01 |
Week 2 |
Lecture |
Environmental Scanning - External analysis Levels of environmental analysis; PESTLE analysis Learning outcomes: L04 |
Tutorial |
Introduction to HOSP3004 Outline of assessment tasks; PESTLE analysis examples Learning outcomes: L02 |
|
Week 3 |
Lecture |
Environmental Scanning: Micro- environment & Stakeholder analysis Analysis of the micro-environment (industry analysis); Porter's Five Forces Model; the firm's stakeholders Learning outcomes: L04 |
Tutorial |
Environmental Scanning Ekka Show Day - Wednesday 13 August 2025 - Check Blackboard for announcements about affected classes. Learning outcomes: L04 |
|
Week 4 |
Lecture |
Environmental Scanning - Internal Analysis + SWOT Analysis Analysis of the internal environment; competitive advantage; core competencies; distinctive capabilities; resource analysis; value chain analysis; service profit chain; SWOT analysis Learning outcomes: L04 |
Tutorial |
Porter's Five Forces + Internal Analysis+ Guidance on Report Assessment Application of Porter's Five Forces model; examples of internal analysis; guidance on report assessment Learning outcomes: L02, L04 |
|
Week 5 |
Lecture |
Three Levels of Strategy: Corporate Strategy The three levels of strategy; corporate strategy; growth strategies; international entry strategies; BCG matrix Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Corporate Strategy+ Assessment Guidance Examples of corporate strategy; guidance on report assessment Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
|
Week 6 |
Lecture |
Three Levels of Strategy: Business & Functional Level Strategy Business level strategy; cost leadership, differentiation; functional level strategy: marketing strategy, HR strategy, production strategy, research and development strategy, financial strategy Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Business & Functional Strategy+ Consultation on Report Assessment Dali's Deli case study; consultation on report assessment Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 7 |
Lecture |
Managing People/Strategic HRM Integrated Talent Management Continuum; Aon Hewitt Model of Employee Engagement; mentoring; stress and mental health; leadership styles Learning outcomes: L03 |
Tutorial |
Strat. HRM-managing people + Self-evaluation Quiz Mark Moore scenario; leadership styles (Disney case); self-evaluation quiz Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Week 8 |
Lecture |
Corporate Social Responsibility & Ethical Hospitality Guest lecture on CSR; ages and stages of CSR; benefits of CSR; SDGs and CSR; future trends Learning outcomes: L01, L04 |
Tutorial |
Case Study- Corporate Social Responsibility Hyatt case study + teamworking activity/guidance on group assessment Learning outcomes: L01 |
|
Week 9 |
Lecture |
Managing Financial Resources & Tech Capabilities Finacial resources and capabilities; managing revenue; technological capabilities; big data; AI; trends and challenges Learning outcomes: L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Tech adoption + Assessment Guidance robotisation- opportunities and risks; guidance on group assessment Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
|
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
IN-SEMESTER BREAK |
Week 10 |
Lecture |
Strategic Direction & Dynamic Capabilities directional orientations; Ansoff matrix; vision and mission statements Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Group Presentations CSR presentations begin- see schedule on BB Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
|
Week 11 |
Lecture |
Strategy Formulation and Implementation Formulating and implementing strategy; SFA framework; leading and managing change; Lewin's Model Learning outcomes: L05 |
Tutorial |
Group Presentations + Social Media Audit Group Presentations continue; conducting a social media audit Learning outcomes: L03 |
|
Week 12 |
Lecture |
Corporate Governance & Future Trends Defining corporate governance; principles; corporate actors; corporate governance mechanisms; benefits Learning outcomes: L04, L05 |
Tutorial |
Group presentations Group presentations continue Learning outcomes: L02, L05 |
|
Week 13 |
Lecture |
Consolidation Consolidation: course summary Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05 |
Additional learning activity information
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout course learning activities.
Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.